MLB News

Iglesias set to start Fenway opener; Drew delayed

By
Ian BrowneMLB.com

TORONTO -- When the Red Sox play their home opener Monday afternoon at Fenway Park against the Orioles, Jose Iglesias will be the starting shortstop.

Stephen Drew originally hoped to make his debut then, but a postponement at Double-A Portland on Saturday due to cold weather means that Drew will play Sunday and Monday to complete his rehab assignment. Drew suffered a concussion on March 7, when he was hit on the helmet by a pitch, and will debut for the Sox on Wednesday.

TORONTO -- When the Red Sox play their home opener Monday afternoon at Fenway Park against the Orioles, Jose Iglesias will be the starting shortstop.

Stephen Drew originally hoped to make his debut then, but a postponement at Double-A Portland on Saturday due to cold weather means that Drew will play Sunday and Monday to complete his rehab assignment. Drew suffered a concussion on March 7, when he was hit on the helmet by a pitch, and will debut for the Sox on Wednesday.

"I think just talking with him late yesterday afternoon, he felt an additional eight to 10 at-bats would be helpful," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "He's starting to feel much more comfortable, but he felt like two additional games, to go nine innings each day, would put him in a better position to return to us."

Iglesias returned to the lineup Sunday, two days after he was hit on the right forearm by a 93-mph fastball from Blue Jays right-hander Josh Johnson.

"Even yesterday, he was available, but we had planned a down day for him, day game after the night game, just trying to balance guys not being accustomed to the turf here," Farrell said. "Jose is fully ready to go."